USAF veteran publishes ‘Defeating Suicide’ book

Melissa LeGates, a retired U.S. Air Force military journalist and Milford resident, has published her first book, “Defeating Suicide,” from a military and Christian perspective.

LeGates said she knew it was time to get help when she returned from a deployment to Iraq and started asking herself, “Could I hit that telephone pole hard enough to never wake up again ... just to vanish and experience no more pain?”

The holiday season is especially hard for those who struggle with mental anguish.

Depending on the source, it is estimated that 18 to 22 veterans commit suicide in any given day. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause for people aged 15 to 24.

Focusing on a mind, body and soul approach to mental wellness, LeGates healed herself through love, therapy and reading the Bible.

To watch a video about LeGates’ healing process, go to YouTube.com and search Defeating Suicide by Melissa LeGates.